1 Introduction Although the rest of the world will celebrate the the themes and purposes of the Advent Season. Lent is start of the New Year on January 1st, the Christian year traditionally the time that many Christians and churches begins on the first day of Advent. This year, the first day spend time fasting and focusing on prayer and “getting of Advent is Sunday, November 27th. As you and your right with God.” However, Advent should also be a time family eat the leftovers from your Thanksgiving dinner, of penitence, prayer, and realignment with the will and remember to tell one another Happy New Year, because word of God. I challenge you to use the next forty days our new year, new day starts more than a month before to prepare your hearts to celebrate Jesus’ first coming the rest of the world. through Mary’s womb and look towards his soon The word “advent” is derived from the Latin word coming return. adventus, which means “coming” or “visit.” The Advent Use this devotional as a guide to help you to Season begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends remember the true meaning of Christmas and why God on Christmas Eve. During the Advent Season we look wrapped himself in flesh and came to earth in the person back and forward at the same time. During this season of Jesus. Jesus did not come for us to have toys, money, our focus as Christians is two-fold: we look back in clothing and food on Christmas Day. No, Jesus came remembrance of the first coming of Christ as a baby to bring us Christmas gifts that will never break--hope, named Jesus, born in a manager and we also anticipate peace, joy and love. All of these gifts can be found as we the second coming of Christ to earth, which will walk intimately with Jesus, experiencing life with him as consummate his eternal kingdom. Just as Israel longed our personal Lord and Savior. Walking with Jesus is not for the Messiah to come, Christians also long for their an easy walk. Jesus calls us to love like he loved, to live precious Savior to return. like he lived, and to obey his commands. That is exactly Each of the four Sundays has been given a thematic what this daily devotional will do—it will challenge you. focus to help us remember the first coming and to expect As you use this devotional, be sure to read each of the second. These days are hope, peace, joy and love. the scriptures for the day prior to reading the daily Why these particular themes? Hope, peace, joy, and love meditation. The meditation focuses on one of the daily are the gifts that Jesus came into the world to bring us scriptures and exists to challenge you to mature in Christ during his first coming. These gifts were made manifest and become all that God has created and called you to during his 33 years on the earth, and they remained with be. Read each scripture and meditation with the spirit us when Jesus ascended to heaven and sent his precious of expectation that Jesus will, in fact, fulfill his promise Holy Spirit to remain with us as we await his return. given in John 14:1-3; Christ will return again to take us Celebrating the Advent Season is also a time to to be with him and his Father in paradise. study both Old and New Testament scriptures. These scriptures lead us to center our hearts and minds on About the Author The Reverend Leah D. Jackson, Esq. was born and She has the distinction of serving as both a member raised in Detroit, Michigan. She was ordained in the of the Board of Visitors for McAfee School of Theology Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by Ray of Hope and a member of the Board of Advisors for Set Free Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia, where she Evangelistic Ministries. She is also a member of the currently serves as the Minister of Christian Education. Editorial Board for Just Women Magazine. Leah also She is also a licensed member of the served as a member of the committee for the 2014 State Bar of Georgia and specializes in Quadrennial Assembly, which was held in Atlanta, Technology and Intellectual Property Georgia. law. Leah has been called to minister the word of God as She is the proud author of the a preacher, pastor, educator, and dancer. She has been devotional, Daily Manna from the dancing since the age of four and involved in dance Psalms: Nuggets of Hope for the ministry since she was saved at age twelve. Leah is the Hungry Christian. She was licensed founder of Agape Seed Liturgical Dance Company, as a Minister of Dance in 2008 by Dr. a group of individuals from various ministries and Pamela Hardy, the founder and leader churches seeking God’s heart through worship. of Set Free Evangelistic Ministries. Leah served as the advisor for the Spelman College Dance Ministry, Movements of Praise, for 5 years. Leah received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy with a focus in Child Advocacy from Spelman College in 2002; a Juris Doctor from Walter F. Georgia School of Law in 2005; and Master of Divinity from McAfee School of Theology in 2012.

2 Daily Advent Readings 2016 Year (NIV Bible)

First Sunday of Advent (November 27) Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 124 Psalm 124 Psalm 124 Psalm Psalm Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 72:1-7, 18-19 72:1-7, 18-19 Psalm 122 Genesis 8:1-19 Genesis 9:1-17 Isaiah 54:1-10 Isaiah 4:2-6 Isaiah 30:19-26 Isaiah 40:1-11 Romans Romans 6:1-11 Hebrews Matthew Acts Acts 13:16-25 John 1:19-28 13:11-14 11:32-40 24:23-35 1:12-17, 21-26 Matthew 24:36-44

Second Sunday of Advent (December 4) Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 21 Psalm 21 Psalm 21 Psalm 146:5-10 Psalm 146:5-10 Psalm 146:5-10 Psalm 72:1-7, Isaiah Isaiah 41:14-20 Genesis Ruth 1:6-18 Ruth 4:13-17 1 Samuel 2:1-8 18-19 24:1-16a 15:1-18 Romans 1 Thessalo- Romans Matthew 2 Peter 3:1-10 2 Peter 3:11-18 Luke 3:1-18 15:4-13 nians 4:1-12 15:14-21 12:33-37 Matthew 3:1-12

Third Sunday of Advent (December 11) Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 42 Psalm 42 Psalm 42 Psalm Psalm Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 80:1-7, 17-19 80:1-7, 17-19 Psalm Isaiah 29:17-24 Ezekiel 47:1-12 Zechariah 2 Samuel 2 Samuel 2 Samuel 146:5-10; or 8:1-17 7:1-17 7:18-22 7:23-29 Luke 1:46b-55 James 5:7-10 Acts 5:12-16 Jude 17-25 Matthew Galatians Galatians 4:1-7 John 3:31-36 8:14-17, 28-34 3:23-29 Matthew 11:2-11

Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 18) Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Christmas Eve Christmas Isaiah 7:10-16 1 Samuel 1 Samuel 1 Samuel Luke 1:46b-55 Luke 1:46b-55 Isaiah 52:7-10 2:1-10 2:1-10 2:1-10 Psalm Genesis Genesis Genesis Isaiah 33:17-22 2 Samuel Psalm 98 80:1-7, 17-19 17:15-22 21:1-21 37:2-11 7:18, 23-29 Romans 1:1-7 Galatians Galatians Matthew Revelation Galatians Hebrews 4:8-20 4:21-5:1 1:1-17 22:6-7, 18-20 3:6-14 1:1-4, (5-12) Matthew John 1:1-14 1:18-25

3 Daily Meditations

Sunday – November 27, 2016 of a specific period of time—the have swept over us, 5 the raging coming of the Messiah and resulting waters would have swept us away. 6 1 This is what Isaiah son of Amoz establishment of the Kingdom of Praise be to the Lord, who has not let saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: God. us be torn by their teeth. 7 We have 2 In the last days the mountain of Fixing his eyes on the last days escaped like a bird from the fowler’s filled the prophet Isaiah with hope the Lord’s temple will be established snare; the snare has been broken, and and great anticipation, because Jews as the highest of the mountains; it we have escaped. 8 Our help is in the will be exalted above the hills, and and Gentiles would worship the Lord at the temple in his holy city. The last name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven all nations will stream to it. 3 Many and earth. peoples will come and say, “Come, days would be days of peace between let us go up to the mountain of the people who had been divided by Psalm 124 hatred and bloodshed; together they Lord, to the temple of the God of Psalm 124 is a praise song from the would worship the one true and people of Israel to God for delivering Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so living God. What great news that is! them from their enemies. The people that we may walk in his paths.” The Isaiah did not know when are clear that deliverance from hurt, law will go out from Zion, the word the last days would come, but he harm and danger could have only of the Lord from Jerusalem. 4 He will knew that they would be a time of come from God. Have you ever been judge between the nations and will judgment. The light brings judgment, in a situation where you knew that settle disputes for many peoples. They illuminating the darkness and all that if God didn’t bring you out of it, you falls below the righteous standard will beat their swords into plowshares weren’t coming out? of Christ. Therefore, the prophet and their spears into pruning hooks. I often find myself saying “Lord Isaiah called the people of Jacob to Nation will not take up sword against help me” in the midst of challenging get ready. To “walk in the light of the nation, nor will they train for war situations or days. This persistent Lord,” to live in obedience of God. anymore. 5 Come, descendants of cry parts my lips in an effort to seek The last days began when Jacob, let us walk in the light of the strength, guidance, or even courage, Jesus came to us as that little baby when I find my own to be inadequate. Lord. in manger, but they will not be God often responds to this little Isaiah 2:1-5 completely fulfilled until Jesus prayer by reminding me of something returns. As a result, we too should be he’s already done for me. Psalm 124 As we look back, in remembrance, motivated to “walk in the light of the calls us to look back at how God has to the birth of a little baby in Lord,” living righteously before our helped us in the past when trouble, Bethlehem, our text calls us forward. God and King. danger, or need arises. It calls us to set our eyes on the “last Each Lent, we seek to purify Do you stand in need of healing days.” The prophet Isaiah was not ourselves by turning away from the or deliverance today? A financial simply referring to the end of time, noise of this world, temptations, blessing? Whatever it is, God is calling but instead to the commencement and sin that pull us away from God. you not to freak out. Not to trip. But During Advent, we should also seek instead to remember. Remember the to be purified so that we can be found last time that the Lord was on your worthy when the light of Christ’s side. Remember when God kept the judgment is shined upon our lives. flood of despair from engulfing you What are you doing to get ready and the raging waters of anxiety from for Christ’s return? What are you sweeping over you. doing to walk in the light? What What would’ve happened if God specks of darkness do you need to did not help you in the past? Expect address over the next 4 weeks? God to show up in equally or more Monday – November 28, 2016 amazing ways today. 1 If the Lord had not been on our side— let Israel say— 2 if the Lord Tuesday – November 29, 2016 had not been on our side when people 32 And what more shall I say? I do attacked us, 3 they would have not have time to tell about Gideon, swallowed us alive when their anger Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about flared against us; 4 the flood would David and Samuel and the prophets, have engulfed us, the torrent would 33 who through faith conquered

4 kingdoms, administered justice, exactly who they are. Not only are 7 “For a brief moment I abandoned and gained what was promised; they nameless, but they also suffered you, but with deep compassion I will who shut the mouths of lions, 34 for God and “none of them received bring you back. 8 In a surge of anger quenched the fury of the flames, and what had been promised.” (vs. 39) I hid my face from you for a moment, escaped the edge of the sword; whose These men and women were not but with everlasting kindness I will unsuccessful in their lives or work weakness was turned to strength; and have compassion on you,” says the for the Lord. You’ve heard people say Lord your Redeemer. 9 “To me this is who became powerful in battle and “look at the big picture.” When we routed foreign armies. 35 Women look at the picture, we see that there like the days of Noah, when I swore received back their dead, raised to life are so many other things at work that the waters of Noah would never again. There were others who were and at play than one small piece, again cover the earth. So now I have tortured, refusing to be released so image, or individual life. That was sworn not to be angry with you, that they might gain an even better the case for those men and women never to rebuke you again. 10 Though resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers referenced in verse 39 of our text, the mountains be shaken and the hills and flogging, and even chains and who died without receiving what was be removed, yet my unfailing love imprisonment. 37 They were put to promised; it ultimately was not about for you will not be shaken nor my death by stoning;[a] they were sawed them. They were simply part of the covenant of peace be removed,” says in two; they were killed by the sword. picture and the time in which they the Lord, who has compassion on you. lived and made their contribution They went about in sheepskins and was not the time for fulfillment of Isaiah 54:1-10 goatskins, destitute, persecuted and those particular promises. How does Today’s text is one of restoration. mistreated— 38 the world was not that make you feel as servant of During the nation of Israel’s infancy worthy of them. They wandered in the Lord? Are you willing to serve she was commanded to serve God deserts and mountains, living in God, obey God, and persevere for a and God alone (Exodus 2:1-4). caves and in holes in the ground. 39 benefit that you may not get to enjoy Unfortunately, Israel constantly These were all commended for their in this lifetime? Spend some time disobeyed the command of the Lord faith, yet none of them received what today reflecting on your motives for and worshipped idols. Although had been promised, 40 since God had exercising faith and serving the Lord. the Lord repeatedly forgave Israel, planned something better for us so they did not stop worshipping Wednesday – November 30, 2016 that only together with us would they idols therefore God allowed the Babylonians to carry them off into be made perfect. 1“Sing, barren woman, you who exile. As a result, their land was Hebrews 11:32-40 never bore a child; burst into song, garnished, many of their people Hebrews 11 is our treaties on faith. shout for joy, you who were never in were killed, and their temple was In verse one, we find our definition labor; because more are the children destroyed. of faith followed by a chapter full of of the desolate woman than of her In our text, we find the Lord illustrations and examples of faith in who has a husband,” says the Lord. promising to restore Israel to her practice. Our text for today is broken 2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, rightful place of blessing. This into two sections. The first section stretch your tent curtains wide, do promise of deliverance was two fold, is found is verses 32-35(a), where not hold back; lengthen your cords, first in the immediate deliverance the writer tells us about men who strengthen your stakes. 3 For you will from captivity and second in the exercised amazing faith—Gideon, spread out to the right and to the left; ultimate deliverance through the Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, your descendants will dispossess coming of Christ, which would Samuel and the prophets. As a result bring the rebirth of the nation. The nations and settle in their desolate of their amazing faith, God was rebirth of the nation would result in able to do amazing things in and cities. 4 “Do not be afraid; you will enlargement of their territory (vs. 2-3) through them. Verses 33 and 35 tells not be put to shame. Do not fear and multiplication of their people (vs. us that they did things like conquer disgrace; you will not be humiliated. 1b). kingdoms, shut the mouths of lions You will forget the shame of your Even in the midst of bondage, they and raised the dead. youth and remember no more the were being called to rejoice, to sing, The second section is found in reproach of your widowhood. and to praise God. The prophet Isaiah verses 35(b)-40. These great men and 5 For your Maker is your husband— was calling the people to anticipate women of the faith are unnamed in what was on the other side of the the Lord Almighty is his name— the the text. Although their stories are humiliation and shame that came recorded on God’s heart, we don’t Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; with their discipline … restoration. know them to call them by name. he is called the God of all the earth. 6 While our sins may temporarily Scholars have tried to align them The Lord will call you back as if you forge a wedge between God and us, with some known people in the were a wife deserted and distressed in God’s love for us is unfailing and Bible, based on the nature of their spirit— a wife who married young, never-ending. It is this love that suffering, but only God truly knows only to be rejected,” says your God. causes God to forgive us and redeem

5 us. It causes God to call us back and oppressed based on their race, to himself. Restoration starts with class, age, gender, religion, national repentance (1 John 1:9). After you origin, and sexual orientation. Does confess your sin and turn away from anyone care about the lack of justice them, rejoice in anticipation of your in our world? God cares. In fact, the restoration. Lord loves justice (Isaiah 61:8) and God calls us to “act justly and to love Thursday – December 1, 2016 mercy and to walk humbly with your 1 Endow the king with your justice, God.” (Micah 6:8) O God, the royal son with your Our text reminds us that Christ will return to bring justice to his righteousness. 2 May he judge afflicted ones (vs. 2). Are you simply your people in righteousness, your waiting for the wrongs of society to afflicted ones with justice. 3 May be corrected when Christ returns or the mountains bring prosperity are you fighting for justice today? to the people, the hills the fruit of Don’t just pray, defend the cause righteousness. 4 May he defend of the afflicted. Pick a cause. Get the afflicted among the people and involved. ACT justly today. save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor. 5 May he Friday – December 2, 2016 endure[a] as long as the sun, as long 16 Standing up, Paul motioned with as the moon, through all generations. Our text teaches us that God his hand and said: “Fellow Israelites had a plan to save his people from 6 May he be like rain falling on a and you Gentiles who worship God, mown field, like showers watering the the very beginning. The people listen to me! 17 The God of the people of Israel had their own plans and earth. 7 In his days may the righteous of Israel chose our ancestors; he God obliged them. They repeatedly flourish and prosperity abound till made the people prosper during their asked for a king and God eventually the moon is no more. stay in Egypt; with mighty power answered their prayer by giving Psalm 72:1-7 he led them out of that country; 18 them King Saul, although it wasn’t Many believe that David wrote for about forty years he endured in their best interest. This prayer this psalm in anticipation of their conduct[a] in the wilderness; request and answered prayer set the Solomon’s inauguration as king. 19 and he overthrew seven nations course of their future down a path of Like any great leader, David’s prayer in Canaan, giving their land to his destruction, because each king led the people of Israel further and further was that his successor would lead people as their inheritance. 20 All with justice and righteousness and away from the will of God. But God this took about 450 years. “After this, used their request for a king to bless that the people would prosper. God gave them judges until the time Although Psalm 72 may have been them. Their first king may have been of Samuel the prophet. 21 Then the problematic, but God found a man an immediate prayer for Solomon, people asked for a king, and he gave it is likely that the psalmist was also after his own heart to be their second them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of referring to the last and the greatest king. God gave them David (vs. 23). of his successors, Jesus. Benjamin, who ruled forty years. 22 Although Israel would continue to go The return of Christ promises After removing Saul, he made David through much hardship, they would to bring justice for all, something their king. God testified concerning ultimately be saved through the that only he can bring forth. For him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, lineage of David. Jesus would come “he will judge [God’s] people in a man after my own heart; he will forth as a descendant of a king, a king righteousness, [God’s] afflicted ones do everything I want him to do.’ 23 that God never wanted Israel to have. God used the very thing that wasn’t with justice.” (vs. 2) We are living in “From this man’s descendants God in their best interest to bless them, to an unjust world and in unjust times. has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, People are discriminated against redeem them, because he loved them. as he promised. 24 Before the coming We must be careful what we pray of Jesus, John preached repentance for; God might just give it to us. The and baptism to all the people of Israel. answer to a prayer request that falls 25 As John was completing his work, outside of the will of God may send he said: ‘Who do you suppose I am? you the long way or even the hard I am not the one you are looking for. way down the path. God tried to But there is one coming after me avoid giving Israel that king, because whose sandals I am not worthy to he knew that it was not best for them. untie.’ Trust that God has your best interests at heart. The next time that Acts 13:16-25 God doesn’t seem to be answering

6 your prayer with a “yes,” consider the desert, ‘Make straight the way for that it may be for your best. the Lord.’” In these days, God is using his Saturday – December 3, 2016 disciples to prepare people for the 19 Now this was John’s testimony return of Christ. We have been called when the Jewish leaders[a] in to fulfill the Great Commission: “go and make disciples of all nations, Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to baptizing them in the name of the ask him who he was. 20 He did not Father and of the Son and of the Holy fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I Spirit, and teaching them to obey am not the Messiah.” 21 They asked everything I have commanded you.” The prophet Isaiah is speaking him, “Then who are you? Are you (Matthew 28:19-20) words of hope over the people Elijah?” He said, “I am not.”“Are What are you specifically doing of Israel in our text. Although he you the Prophet?” He answered, to prepare the way? How are you prophesied that judgment would “No.” 22 Finally they said, “Who helping to get people ready for come upon Israel through the are you? Give us an answer to take Christ’s return? conquest of their enemies, he also foretold the day of redemption. In back to those who sent us. What do Sunday – December 4, 2016 you say about yourself?” 23 John the process of being subdued, Israel replied in the words of Isaiah the 1 A shoot will come up from the would become like a decayed or prophet, “I am the voice of one calling stump of Jesse; from his roots a fallen tree, but that would not be the end of the story; a little sprout would in the wilderness, ‘Make straight Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of come forth from that tree, which the way for the Lord.’”[b] 24 Now the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the would yet rise, expand, and flourish. the Pharisees who had been sent 25 God had planted life in the midst of Spirit of counsel and of might, the questioned him, “Why then do you the decay. baptize if you are not the Messiah, Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the “Of Jesse” is a reference to the nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 “I Lord— 3 and he will delight in the father of King David. The sprout, the baptize with[c] water,” John replied, fear of the Lord. He will not judge by life, that Isaiah prophesied would “but among you stands one you do what he sees with his eyes, or decide come forth from David’s line, even not know. 27 He is the one who comes by what he hears with his ears; 4 after the decay of his kingdom, even after me, the straps of whose sandals but with righteousness he will judge after the exile. Jesus was that life I am not worthy to untie.” 28 This the needy, with justice he will give born out of the ruins of Israel. Born in all happened at Bethany on the other decisions for the poor of the earth. He the midst of poverty and obscurity. The Assyrians tore down Judah & side of the Jordan, where John was will strike the earth with the rod of his the Babylonian exile destroyed its baptizing. mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness kingdom, but God called Jesus to John 1:19-28 spring forth to restore his family, his will be his belt and faithfulness the people and the world to its former sash around his waist. 6 The wolf will glory. live with the lamb, the leopard will lie A place can be full of destruction down with the goat, the calf and the and devastation. It can be ravished by lion and the yearling[a] together; and poverty, instability, and crime. It can a little child will lead them. 7 The cow even be burned to the ground by war will feed with the bear, their young and oppression, but God can bring In today’s text, we meet John the will lie down together, and the lion life out of that place. It doesn’t matter Baptist. John was the cousin of Jesus, will eat straw like the ox. 8 The infant where you come from, God can and but he had a specific assignment and will play near the cobra’s den, and the still will use you, if you allow him. he knew it. John was clear about his young child will put its hand into the Jesus would not only be the purpose. He was called to prepare the viper’s nest. 9 They will neither harm bearer of life, but also of peace and hearts of the people to receive their safety, both of which are signs of the nor destroy on all my holy mountain, Messiah, Jesus. He knew he wasn’t Messianic Age. When Jesus returns, the Christ, but instead was called to for the earth will be filled with the predator and prey, oppressor and go ahead of him. Jesus was coming knowledge of the Lord as the waters the oppressed, friend and foe, will to turn the world upside down, to cover the sea. 10 In that day the Root rest together in peace. We need the change the order of things, to replace of Jesse will stand as a banner for the hope of this prophecy today, just as the old covenant with a new one peoples; the nations will rally to him, much as the people of Israel needed and therefore a foundation had to be and his resting place will be glorious. it back then. We live in a world torn laid—that was John’s job. God sent Isaiah 11:1-10 apart by hatred and violence. Almost John to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah daily, we hear about a terrorist 40:3; “I am the voice of one calling in organization devastating a land

7 with its attacks on a group of people; quite boldly on some points to remind whether it is Boko Haram or Isis, or its you of them again, because of the grace religious extremists, racists, or some God gave me 16 to be a minister of other group of individuals drunk off Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave of their power. Nevertheless, when me the priestly duty of proclaiming Jesus returns all of these groups will the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles have to respond to the coming of our Lord and his reign by living in peace might become an offering acceptable with those they have historically to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. oppressed. Let’s pause today and take a 17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus Does the condition of our world fill look back. This psalm begins with in my service to God. 18 I will not you with a sense of discouragement David rejoicing (in the third person) venture to speak of anything except or despair? Do not watch the news about his victories over his enemies what Christ has accomplished through today. Instead, go before God in and hence the many blessings that me in leading the Gentiles to obey God prayer. Ask God to fill you with a the Lord had bestowed upon him. by what I have said and done— 19 The psalmist is glad and full of sense of anticipation of the peace and by the power of signs and wonders, thanksgiving. David recognizes that safety that his second coming will through the power of the Spirit of God. bring. it was God, and God alone, that made his success possible. So from Jerusalem all the way around Monday – December 5, 2016 We often remember to ask God for to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20 It has always 1 The king rejoices in your strength, what we need, for the desires of our hearts, but we forget to thank God on been my ambition to preach the gospel Lord. How great is his joy in the the other side. What has God done where Christ was not known, so that victories you give! 2 You have granted for you recently? What prayer has he I would not be building on someone him his heart’s desire and have not answered? What desire of your heart else’s foundation. 21 Rather, as it is withheld the request of his lips.[b] has been granted? written: “Those who were not told 3 You came to greet him with rich Verse 6 of our text says “surely you about him will see, and those who have blessings and placed a crown of pure have granted him eternal blessings not heard will understand.”[a] gold on his head. 4 He asked you for and made him glad with the joy of life, and you gave it to him— length of your presence.” Jesus had not yet Romans 15:14-21 days, for ever and ever. 5 Through the been born, so David did not have the victories you gave, his glory is great; benefit of accepting Him as Lord and you have bestowed on him splendor Savior and receiving the promise of and majesty. 6 Surely you have eternal life. David was referring to receipt of a blessing of continuing granted him unending blessings and value or a never-ending flow of made him glad with the joy of your blessings from God. Yes, David was presence. 7 For the king trusts in the this grateful for receipt of an earthly Lord; through the unfailing love of the benefit. But we have received a Most High he will not be shaken. blessing that far exceeds David’s. If 8 Your hand will lay hold on all God doesn’t do another thing for you, your enemies; your right hand will he has given you eternal life. Can you truly be thankful for that? seize your foes. 9 When you appear During Advent, we remember the for battle, you will burn them up as first coming of Jesus as a baby in a in a blazing furnace. The Lord will manger. He came to bring us the gift swallow them up in his wrath, and his of life. Abundant life. Eternal life. Be Paul begins our text by telling fire will consume them. 10 You will thankful unto him. How can you truly the church in Rome that they were destroy their descendants from the thank God for an immeasurable gift? competent to do the work of ministry. earth, their posterity from mankind. Nothing beats a failure, like a try. I Verse 14 says that “I myself am challenge you to try to beat David 11 Though they plot evil against convinced, my brothers, that you in thanking God for this awesome you and devise wicked schemes, they yourself are full of goodness, complete blessing. cannot succeed. 12 You will make in knowledge and competent to them turn their backs when you aim at Tuesday – December 6, 2016 instruct one another.” No matter them with drawn bow. 13 Be exalted what was going on in that church, 14 I myself am convinced, my brothers in your strength, Lord; we will sing in the lives of the people or what and sisters, that you yourselves are and praise your might. they thought about themselves, full of goodness, filled with knowledge Paul declared that he believed they Psalm 21 and competent to instruct one were good enough, had sufficient another. 15 Yet I have written you knowledge and were otherwise 8 competent to instruct one another in the doctrine and perform the duties of Thursday – December 8, 2016 the Christian faith. 6 When Naomi heard in Moab that The same is true of you. God has the Lord had come to the aid of his given you a ministry, that you are well people by providing food for them, she qualified to perform. Yes you, have and her daughters-in-law prepared been given a ministry. You may have to return home from there. 7 With thought you had to receive a special call to instruct others about the faith, her two daughters-in-law she left the but we were all called in Matthew place where she had been living and 28:18-20 when we received the Great set out on the road that would take Commission. You have been called them back to the land of Judah. 8 Then to go. To make disciples. To baptize Naomi said to her two daughters-in- them. To teach them everything Jesus law, “Go back, each of you, to your commanded. mother’s home. May the Lord show This call to teach may seem a bit you kindness, as you have shown daunting, but Paul takes some of the kindness to your dead husbands and pressure off us in this text. Paul called to me. 9 May the Lord grant that each the people of Rome to simply share of you will find rest in the home of their testimony, which exactly is what In our text today, Jesus uses an another husband.” Then she kissed he did. Paul went around testifying example from nature to teach his them goodbye and they wept aloud 10 to what Christ had done through him disciples and respond to the criticism (vs. 18) and through miracles and of the Pharisees. He uses a tree saying, and said to her, “We will go back with signs he witnessed (vs. 19). “make a tree good and its fruit will be you to your people.” 11 But Naomi Don’t be intimated by the ministry good, or make a tree bad and its fruit said, “Return home, my daughters. style, the platform, or assignment of will be bad, for a tree is recognized by Why would you come with me? Am anyone else, be yourself. God uniquely its fruit.” (vs. 33) The quality of a tree I going to have any more sons, who made you, so be you. Someone out is known by its fruit, not its leaves or could become your husbands? 12 there needs to hear the message that height, width or bark. It is the fruit Return home, my daughters; I am too only you can give, in the way that that counts. What is in the tree, will old to have another husband. Even if I only you can share it. Share what come out of the tree, just as what is in thought there was still hope for me— you know, someone else has the people will come out of them. even if I had a husband tonight and assignment to share the rest. Go forth The Bible makes clear the types of then gave birth to sons— 13 would as an original today. things we should be talking about, you wait until they grew up? Would Jesus, his word, and things that would Wednesday – December 7, 2016 otherwise build others up. But we you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me 33 “Make a tree good and its fruit can only talk about that which is in than for you, because the Lord’s hand will be good, or make a tree bad and us. Jesus says to us today, that what has turned against me!” 14 At this its fruit will be bad, for a tree is is in us will come out of us. Like the tree, if you’re rotten, rotten fruit you they wept aloud again. Then Orpah recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood will bear, including thoughtless and kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but of vipers, how can you who are evil careless words. Ruth clung to her. 15 “Look,” said say anything good? For the mouth Ultimately, it’s a heart issue. Jesus Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going speaks what the heart is full of. 35 is not only calling us to watch what back to her people and her gods. Go A good man brings good things out we say, but to clean our hearts. If you back with her.”16 But Ruth replied, of the good stored up in him, and an want to bear kind fruit, you must be “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn evil man brings evil things out of the kind. Gentle fruit, you must be gentle. back from you. Where you go I will evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell An apple tree cannot bear oranges, go, and where you stay I will stay. you that everyone will have to give anymore than an evil heart will bear Your people will be my people and account on the day of judgment for love. No matter how hard you may try your God my God. 17 Where you die every empty word they have spoken. to cover up bitterness, anger, hatred, I will die, and there I will be buried. 37 For by your words you will be or resentment, it will eventually come out. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever acquitted, and by your words you will Take a look at the fruit of the spirit so severely, if even death separates you be condemned.” today. Which are you the lowest in? and me.” 18 When Naomi realized Matthew 12:33-37 Seek God. Ask him to refresh and that Ruth was determined to go with refill you in this area. “For out of her, she stopped urging her. the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (vs. 34(b)) Ruth 1:6-18

9 prepared to remain knit to Naomi, even though that meant leaving her homeland and her gods. Ruth was showing Naomi something that she never modeled, commitment. One word must be our bound. How committed are you? How committed are you to your family? Your job? Your church? Your call? Rank your commitment to all the important areas of your life from 1 – 5, with 5 being the most committed. Ask God to give you staying power. Stay Have you been waiting for a put until GOD says move. promise that God made to be fulfilled? Have you been waiting so long that 1 Dear friends, this is now my second it seems as if it won’t happen? Is it Our text today is a meaty one, full letter to you. I have written both of the promise that a loved one will be of implications and manna for God’s them as reminders to stimulate you saved? Is it a promise that a prodigal people, even today. Naomi traveled to wholesome thinking. 2 I want son or daughter will return home? to Moab with her husband Elimelech you to recall the words spoken in Are you waiting for your spouse to be and two sons, Mahlon and Kilion the past by the holy prophets and made whole? in an attempt to escape a famine in Whatever it is, we must be careful Bethlehem. They were fleeing their the command given by our Lord and not to grow weary, irritated, or homeland, heading to a foreign land Savior through your apostles. 3 Above disappointed while we are waiting in order to survive. The voice of God all, you must understand that in the and we can’t allow scoffers to get directing them to go to Moab is absent last days scoffers will come, scoffing us off focus. The scoffer is one from our text. Although Elimelech was and following their own evil desires. 4 that mocks, makes fun of or treats trying to save his family and his life, They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ something or someone with contempt. Elimelech died in the foreign land. he promised? Ever since our ancestors As if waiting on the Lord isn’t Mahlon and Kilion married foreign died, everything goes on as it has challenging enough, we have to deal women while in Moab, a direct act of since the beginning of creation.” 5 with people asking us “where is your disobedience to God’s commands and But they deliberately forget that long God?” “Where is the answer to your eventually died as well. How ironic, ago by God’s word the heavens came prayer?” “When is your God going to this family ran from a famine and into being and the earth was formed do what he said?” died anyway. What do you do when Peter was attempting to warn his trouble comes, do you run or do you out of water and by water. 6 By these readers that scoffers would come and endure? waters also the world of that time was therefore called them to remember When Naomi heard that the famine deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same that God’s word is true and faithful. had lifted back home, she decided to word the present heavens and earth He called the readers of this letter to return. Yet another survival attempt. are reserved for fire, being kept for remember “that long ago by God’s Naomi was keenly aware of how the day of judgment and destruction word the heavens existed and the difficult it is for a widow to survive of the ungodly. 8 But do not forget earth was formed out of water and and knew that her chances would this one thing, dear friends: With the by water.” (vs. 5) God’s word does be better back home in Bethlehem. Lord a day is like a thousand years, not return void (Isaiah 55:11). God’s She was prepared to cut ties with her and a thousand years are like a day. timing is different than ours. Not daughters-in-law by returning them to 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping because God is slow, but because God their parents’ homes. his promise, as some understand is on a different time schedule and Orpah and Ruth committed using a different measure of time. themselves to Mahlon and Kilion slowness. Instead he is patient with We operate in chronos here on earth, in marriage, which means they left you, not wanting anyone to perish, but God operates in kairos. Humans their families and joined to this one but everyone to come to repentance. 10 live by minutes and seconds, which and their God. Every time the going But the day of the Lord will come like a is chronos, but God moves at the got tough or trials came, Naomi and thief. The heavens will disappear with appointed time, the opportune time, her family cut their losses and ran. a roar; the elements will be destroyed in due season, which is kairos. It may They ran out of Bethlehem and now by fire, and the earth and everything seem that your answer is taking too she was running back to it, leaving done in it will be laid bare.[a] many minutes and seconds to come, behind everything and everyone but it will arrive in due season. Since that they had joined with in Moab. 2 Peter 3:1-10 he’s God, we should assume he has Naomi convinced Orpah to return the correct time and the fulfillment of home, but she was unable to persuade the promise will arrive right on time. Ruth. Ruth was committed. She was

10 fulfillment of God’s promise that his every tree that does not produce good Friday – December 9, 2016 son Jesus will return for us and in fruit will be cut down and thrown 11 Since everything will be destroyed turn all of our worldly concerns will into the fire.” 10 “What should we in this way, what kind of people pass away. We must always remember do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John that earth is not our home and that ought you to be? You ought to live answered, “Anyone who has two shirts holy and godly lives 12 as you look our ultimate interests are beyond this present world in which we live. Just should share with the one who has forward to the day of God and speed as Jesus has promised his return, he none, and anyone who has food should its coming.[a] That day will bring has also promised you what you are do the same.” 12 Even tax collectors about the destruction of the heavens waiting for. Can you wait in hope, came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they by fire, and the elements will melt in joy—in anticipation? asked, “what should we do?” 13 the heat. 13 But in keeping with his As you wait, “make every effort Don’t collect any more than you are promise we are looking forward to a to be found spotless, blameless and required to,” he told them. 14 Then new heaven and a new earth, where at peace with him.” (vs. 14) If you some soldiers asked him, “And what righteousness dwells. 14 So then, dear live holy and godly (i.e. in obedience should we do?” He replied, “Don’t friends, since you are looking forward to God and his commands), you will extort money and don’t accuse people to this, make every effort to be found be making every effort to be found falsely—be content with your pay.” 15 spotless and blameless, which should spotless, blameless and at peace with The people were waiting expectantly him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s ultimately bring you a peace that surpasses all understanding because and were all wondering in their hearts patience means salvation, just as our you will be living a life that is pleasing if John might possibly be the Messiah. dear brother Paul also wrote you with unto God, which will speed the 16 John answered them all, “I baptize the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He coming of the day of the Lord (vs. 12). you with[b] water. But one who is writes the same way in all his letters, more powerful than I will come, the speaking in them of these matters. His Saturday – December 10, 2016 straps of whose sandals I am not letters contain some things that are In the fifteenth year of the reign of worthy to untie. He will baptize you hard to understand, which ignorant Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius with[c] the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 and unstable people distort, as they Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod His winnowing fork is in his hand to do the other Scriptures, to their own tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip clear his threshing floor and to gather destruction. 17 Therefore, dear friends, tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, the wheat into his barn, but he will since you have been forewarned, be and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— 2 burn up the chaff with unquenchable on your guard so that you may not be during the high-priesthood of Annas fire.” 18 And with many other carried away by the error of the lawless and Caiaphas, the word of God words John exhorted the people and and fall from your secure position. 18 came to John son of Zechariah in the proclaimed the good news to them. But grow in the grace and knowledge wilderness. 3 He went into all the Luke 3:1-18 of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. country around the Jordan, preaching To him be glory both now and forever! John compared the religious a baptism of repentance for the leaders to a “brood of vipers” in Amen. forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written verse 7 of our text. This may seem a 2 Peter 3:11-18 in the book of the words of Isaiah the little harsh, but John the Baptist was Our text picks up where we left prophet: “A voice of one calling in the righteously indignant in our text. He off yesterday. Yesterday we talked wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the thought these people were like snakes about God’s time vs. our time; waiting Lord, make straight paths for him. 5 that involuntarily came out of the on the answer to prayer or for God’s Every valley shall be filled in, every grass because a fire was coming. They promise to manifest. So what are we mountain and hill made low. The didn’t come into the light to expose supposed to do while we wait? First, themselves or to avoid harming crooked roads shall become straight, we are to be holy. Live right. Right = someone, but to save their own skin. godly. Verses 11 and 12 say that “you the rough ways smooth. 6 And all This is how John viewed the leaders ought to live holy and godly lives as people will see God’s salvation.’”[a] to whom he was talking in our text. you look forward to the day of God 7 John said to the crowds coming out They didn’t respond to his constant and speed its coming.” to be baptized by him, “You brood of cries to “prepare the way of the Lord” Next, we are to live in anticipation. vipers! Who warned you to flee from or to “get ready” or to “repent and be Anticipation means expectation, joy, the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in baptized” out of a genuine desire to and hope. Often times we get tired keeping with repentance. And do not be transformed, but in an attempt to of waiting, which causes us to live begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have flee the wrath that he promised was in doubt or in fear, but our text calls Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you coming. us to sit on the edge of our seats as that out of these stones God can raise Do you know that God is “omni” we look forward to a new heaven up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is to the third power? He is omnipotent, and new earth (vs. 13). We should omniscient, and omnipresent. God is be excited as we look forward to the already at the root of the trees, and

11 all powerful, all knowing and present sustains the fatherless and the widow, God and does not accept ungodliness. everywhere. This means that God but he frustrates the ways of the He has the power to pronounce and is like Big Brother. He can see, hear, wicked. 10 The Lord reigns forever, execute judgment on behalf of the and knows everything you are doing, your God, O Zion, for all generations. oppressed and the wronged against all the time, even before you do it. Praise the Lord. their oppressors. Fourth, God is Everything you can even fathom, God not only aware of their needs, but already knows. So don’t think you can Psalm 146:5-10 stands on their side and by their side. outsmart God. He meets the humble among us at Some Jews thought that the easiest the point of their need, whether its way to respond to John’s teachings provision of food, healing, deliverance on repentance was to fake it. They or miracles of other kinds. Fifth, the thought that they could have the Lord sets the captives free. best of both worlds by running to be We must be careful how we treat baptized without actually believing the least of these, the men, women, what John was saying or allowing boys and girls that God is fighting for, their lives to be transformed. They advocating for, and standing with. pretended to repent, but there was no If God is taking up their cause and fruit, no evidence of their repentance. lifting them up, so should we. If we To repent literally means to turn and are mistreating the humble among go in the other direction. The religious us or apathetic about their plight, we leaders had made no turn, but wanted We live in an imperfect world, could find ourselves on the wrong side to receive the benefit that came only filled with imperfect people. There of a battle with God. with true conversion. are oppressed and oppressors, rich Does your heart reflect the heart We do the same thing. We work and poor, healthy and sick, and free of God? Do you care about those that and serve in the church, to seem and captives. We often look at the God clearly loves? Can anyone tell? godlier, but the attitudes of our hearts disparities among us through eyes Ask the Lord to search your heart haven’t been changed. We show up of sadness or even disbelief. We ask today and give you his heart, for his every time the church doors are open, others, and ourselves how could this people. but mentally check out when the be? Ultimately deciding that these word goes forth. We preach at our imbalances are unfair and unjust. Yet Monday – December 12, 2016 neighbors, but don’t practice what the least among us, those discarded, 1 As the deer pants for streams of we preach. God sees our hearts. He disregarded, and disrespected by the knows our motives, just as he knew world are priorities to God and are water, so my soul pants for you, my those Jews. declared blessed by the writer of our God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the John may have saved someone’s text. living God. When can I go and meet soul by calling the people out in our God takes up the cause of those with God? 3 My tears have been my text. So I call each of us to a heart that have been cast aside and counted food day and night, while people say check today. Ask the Lord to show out. While they may have lost faith to me all day long, “Where is your you the “why” behind your good and trust in society and the humans God?” 4 These things I remember as I deeds today. Why are you serving in that run it, our text reminds them that pour out my soul: how I used to go to a particular area of ministry? Why are there is still one that they can trust and the house of God under the protection you helping that person? Why are you hope in. Our text provides five reasons of the Mighty One[d] with shouts why the least among us can trust in sending words of affirmation to that of joy and praise among the festive neighbor? God and are blessed in the midst of their hardship: throng. 5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within Sunday – December 11, 2016 First, he is the God of Jacob. God has proven his trustworthiness me? Put your hope in God, for I will 5 Blessed are those whose help is the throughout history- protecting Jacob yet praise him, my Savior and my God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord and the patriarchs as they traveled God. their God. 6 He is the Maker of heaven and overcame their enemies. History 6 My soul is downcast within me; has a habit of repeating itself; if he did and earth, the sea, and everything in therefore I will remember you from them— he remains faithful forever. 7 it before, he can do it again. Second, God created everything that exists, the land of the Jordan, the heights He upholds the cause of the oppressed of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. 7 and gives food to the hungry. The including the heavens, earth, waters and everything within them. God can Deep calls to deep in the roar of your Lord sets prisoners free, 8 the Lord waterfalls; all your waves and breakers gives sight to the blind, the Lord be trusted because he, as the creator, is in complete control of all things and have swept over me. 8 By day the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, people. Third, God can be trusted by directs his love, at night his song is the Lord loves the righteous. 9 The the oppressed because God is on their with me— a prayer to the God of my Lord watches over the foreigner and side. Our God is a righteous and just life. 9 I say to God my Rock, “Why

12 have you forgotten me? Why must I this season, he had to check himself. and with great joy— 25 to the only go about mourning, oppressed by the He had to ask himself in verse 5, why God our Savior be glory, majesty, enemy?” 10 My bones suffer mortal are you so sad? “Why, my soul, are power and authority, through Jesus agony as my foes taunt me, saying you downcast? Why so disturbed Christ our Lord, before all ages, now to me all day long, “Where is your within me?” The psalmist had to and forevermore! Amen. remind himself to focus on the bright God?” 11 Why, my soul, are you side and not the dark side. He had Jude 17-25 downcast? Why so disturbed within allow himself to look only at what me? Put your hope in God, for I will wasn’t happening, instead of directing yet praise him, my Savior and my his attention toward what could be God. happening. In his moment of hurt, Psalm 42 disappointment and even despair, he There is nothing like designated had to encourage himself to put his times of rejoicing to remind us of just hope in God. This is what we must how bad things are for us. The son also do; put our hope in God. Not in of Korah was a worship leader in the family. Not in significant others. Not sanctuary who usually led Israelites in money or in things, but in God. on pilgrimages to Jerusalem, but he No matter what is happening in us was unable to do so this time. The or around us, God is always worthy psalmist said that his desire, his need, of praise. The psalmist had to make was like the intense desire of the deer, up his mind that he would “yet praise in the heat of day, for life sustaining him” and so must we. Even if things water. Imagine being waterless are not perfect during this Christmas in the midst of a drought, this is season, we must still hope in the Lord. Jude warns his readers that false where our psalmist found himself. The only one who can and will redeem teachers will come in the last days Desperate. Thirsty. Longing for God the situations that ail us. who will not follow the ways of Christ, and the ability to worship God in I challenge you to find two who will be divisive and not be filled the sanctuary. Without worship, his different things each day to praise God with the Spirit of God. These false life felt hollow. This is exactly where for over the next 11 days of Advent. teachers shall be bearers of darkness many among us find ourselves during Write each occasion (or reason) for instead of light. Usually there the Advent season. praise on a slip of paper and place it in should be a clear distinction between The holiday season is the happiest a mason jar. On Christmas Day, give darkness and light. People should be of the year. It looks, smells and even this jar to someone who needs to “yet able to walk into a room and tell if the tastes like Christmas. Christmas praise him.” light is on or if it is off. They should be trees are everywhere. Shining lights Tuesday – December 13, 2016 able to tell if your car lights are on or surround us. Beautiful music plays off. Likewise, when they walk outside in our ears. The town is painted red, 17 But, dear friends, remember what of their front doors people should white and green. The smell of pine the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ generally be able to differentiate joins the fragrance of baked goods to foretold. 18 They said to you, “In between daytime and nighttime. bless the air. Then the anticipation of the last times there will be scoffers But what happens when people receiving just the right gift is so thick who will follow their own ungodly can’t tell the difference? There are that you can’t stand it. desires.” 19 These are the people who times when night and day seem It’s the most beautiful time, the visually similar and when one can’t best time of the year, right? Or is it? divide you, who follow mere natural tell if the light is on or off in a room. For some of us, it is the saddest, most instincts and do not have the Spirit. However, as disciples of Christ, depressing, most heart wrenching 20 But you, dear friends, by building people should always be able to tell time of the year. The absence of that yourselves up in your most holy faith the difference between us and false loved one that died last year is more and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 teachers or false followers. prevalent. The father or mother who keep yourselves in God’s love as you The writer of our text warns never showed up for Christmas dinner wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus his reader that the “last days” will stings more. The lack of resources to Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 be difficult to discern, but not to bless your kids or friends with gifts is Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 be tricked. Jude tells us the key more embarrassing than you’d like to save others by snatching them from to discernment in difficult times; admit. All the brokenness that you feel the fire; to others show mercy, mixed building ourselves up in the faith seems to dominate your thoughts and with fear—hating even the clothing and praying in the Holy Spirit. If we dreams. You understand exactly what remember to faithfully study God’s the psalmist meant when he said, “my stained by corrupted flesh.[a] 24 To work and to pray we will have both tears have become my food day and him who is able to keep you from the light and power necessary to not night.” stumbling and to present you before only discern, but to resist the devil and As bad as the psalmist felt during his glorious presence without fault

13 false teaching. God’s word will build yield its fruit, the ground will produce “regularly” but in 2014 only 36% our faith and that faith will help us its crops, and the heavens will drop did the same. The hearts of America to ask God for exactly what we need, their dew. I will give all these things seemed to have increasingly turned no matter what we face, including as an inheritance to the remnant of away from God. Is that the reason for counterfeit teachers. this people. 13 Just as you, Judah and the state of our nation? Ask God to increase your discipline Americans seem to look more and Israel, have been a curse[a] among the to faithfully study his word. Ask God more like the Israelites. Although to increase your discernment as you nations, so I will save you, and you they were the chosen people, the continue to seek him in prayer. will be a blessing.[b] Do not be afraid, people who pledged their worship but let your hands be strong.” 14 to Yahweh and Yahweh alone, the This is what the Lord Almighty says: people who were cared for, provided Wednesday – December 14, 2016 “Just as I had determined to bring for and blessed by God, Israel began 1 The word of the Lord Almighty disaster on you and showed no pity to worship idols, engage in sexual came to me. 2 This is what the Lord when your ancestors angered me,” immorality, and otherwise disobey the commands of the Lord. After warning Almighty says: “I am very jealous says the Lord Almighty, 15 “so now I have determined to do good again to Israel repeatedly, God disciplined for Zion; I am burning with jealousy Israel by sending them into exile. Even for her.” 3 This is what the Lord Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid. 16 These are the things you are to in the midst of their punishment, God says: “I will return to Zion and gave the people of Israel hope—he do: Speak the truth to each other, and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem would one day restore them. God will be called the Faithful City, and render true and sound judgment in promises Israel in our text that they the mountain of the Lord Almighty your courts; 17 do not plot evil against would one day return to Jerusalem, will be called the Holy Mountain.” each other, and do not love to swear which would be restored to its former 4 This is what the Lord Almighty falsely. I hate all this,” declares the glory, and they would live in peace. says: “Once again men and women Lord. In fact, God would gather all the of ripe old age will sit in the streets Zechariah 8:1-17 scattered Jews together and bring them of Jerusalem, each of them with cane back home. The United States of America seems Even in the midst of America’s in hand because of their age. 5 The to be in the middle of a moral crisis. darkness, there is hope today. city streets will be filled with boys Overt racism appears to have become Everything will change when Jesus and girls playing there.” 6 This is acceptable and even normative once returns. A day is coming when what the Lord Almighty says: “It again. Gun violence is out of control, our elderly will be able to sit on may seem marvelous to the remnant particularly in our major cities. their front porches and enjoy their of this people at that time, but will Mass shootings occur monthly and neighborhoods. A day is coming when it seem marvelous to me?” declares sometimes weekly. Justice eludes little boys and girls will be able to play the Lord Almighty. 7 This is what us as numerous police killings and outside until the streetlights come on. the Lord Almighty says: “I will save human trafficking are more rampant A day is coming when all the things than ever. Far too many politicians my people from the countries of the that are plaguing our nation will be no are driven by hatred instead of more, for goodness shall be among us east and the west. 8 I will bring them serving people, many school districts back to live in Jerusalem; they will be again. Zechariah reminds us to look are failing and scandals among the forward to the day of Christ’s return, my people, and I will be faithful and highest paid and highest ranked even in the midst of uncertain and righteous to them as their God.” 9 officials are a regular occurrence. unpleasant conditions in our nation. This is what the Lord Almighty says: In the midst of all this, most people What are we to do in the mean “Now hear these words, ‘Let your spend the bulk of their time eating, time? Verses 16 and 17 tell us exactly hands be strong so that the temple drinking and attempting to be merry what to do; we are to be the change may be built.’ This is also what the and commercialism is the way of the that we want to see in our nation. God prophets said who were present when land, as is sex, drugs and alcohol. calls us to be the light, even in the the foundation was laid for the house With the state of our nation, we midst of the darkness. How can you be of the Lord Almighty. 10 Before that probably shouldn’t be surprised that the light? Write down 2 specific things people would rather watch reality time there were no wages for people that you are committed to do. television instead of attend church. or hire for animals. No one could go Church attendance has declined about their business safely because significantly since the early 1960s Thursday – December 15, 2016 of their enemies, since I had turned when almost half of America attended 1 After the king was settled in his everyone against their neighbor. a worship service at least once per palace and the Lord had given him rest 11 But now I will not deal with the week. Regular church attendance is from all his enemies around him, 2 he remnant of this people as I did in the now defined as attending once every said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I past,” declares the Lord Almighty. 12 4-6 weeks, and even that is declining. am, living in a house of cedar, while “The seed will grow well, the vine will In 2004, 45% of people attended

14 the ark of God remains in a tent.” 3 will endure forever before me[b]; your in our lanes and do ONLY what God Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever throne will be established forever.’” directs us to do. you have in mind, go ahead and do 17 Nathan reported to David all the Are you in your lane or are you it, for the Lord is with you.” 4 But words of this entire revelation. in someone else’s? Are you over- that night the word of the Lord came functioning in your church? Home? 2 Samuel 7:1-17 On your job? In your relationships? to Nathan, saying: 5 “Go and tell my Seek God to make sure you aren’t servant David, ‘This is what the Lord trying to build God a house, when he says: Are you the one to build me a is actually trying to build you one. (vs. house to dwell in? 6 I have not dwelt 10) in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this Friday – December 16, 2016 day. I have been moving from place 1 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who to place with a tent as my dwelling. lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit 7 Wherever I have moved with all the enthroned between the cherubim, shine Israelites, did I ever say to any of their forth 2 before Ephraim, Benjamin and rulers whom I commanded to shepherd Manasseh. Awaken your might; come my people Israel, “Why have you not and save us. 3 Restore us, O God; built me a house of cedar?”’ 8 “Now make your face shine on us, that we then, tell my servant David, ‘This is may be saved. 4 How long, Lord God what the Lord Almighty says: I took Almighty, will your anger smolder you from the pasture, from tending the against the prayers of your people? 5 flock, and appointed you ruler over my King David found himself with You have fed them with the bread of people Israel. 9 I have been with you some idle time. He had moved into tears; you have made them drink tears wherever you have gone, and I have his palace, hung all the pictures, by the bowlful. 6 You have made us an cut off all your enemies from before organized all the furniture and made object of derision[b] to our neighbors, you. Now I will make your name sure that everyone was on their posts. and our enemies mock us. 7 Restore great, like the names of the greatest There were currently no wars for him us, God Almighty; make your face men on earth. 10 And I will provide to fight, because the Lord had allowed shine on us, that we may be saved. him to defeat all of them. So what was a place for my people Israel and will 17 Let your hand rest on the man plant them so that they can have a a king to do? During his time of rest, King David thought of the Lord and at your right hand, the son of man home of their own and no longer be consulted with the prophet Nathan. you have raised up for yourself. 18 disturbed. Wicked people will not King David made the mistake that Then we will not turn away from oppress them anymore, as they did at many of us make he started making you; revive us, and we will call on the beginning 11 and have done ever plans. your name. 19 Restore us, Lord God since the time I appointed leaders[a] David came up with a good idea; Almighty; make your face shine on us, over my people Israel. I will also give he decided to build the Lord a house that we may be saved. you rest from all your enemies. “‘The and Nathan co-signed. Although this Lord declares to you that the Lord may have seemed like a good idea, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 himself will establish a house for you: David was trying to do something for This psalm is a prayer for 12 When your days are over and you the Lord that the Lord didn’t ask for. restoration. We are all humans. As a rest with your ancestors, I will raise Neither David nor Nathan consulted result, we all sin, have sinned and will up your offspring to succeed you, with the Lord prior to making their sin again. But sinning is not the end of plans. While it may have been a the story. Those in Christ know that your own flesh and blood, and I will “good thing” to build the Lord a forgiveness is ours if we confess our establish his kingdom. 13 He is the house, it wasn’t a “God thing.” When sins and turn from them (1 John 1:9). one who will build a house for my Nathan finally consulted the Lord, he As great as forgiveness is, it doesn’t Name, and I will establish the throne discovered that both he and David have to be the end of the story because of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be were wrong. The Lord’s will was we can also be restored. “Restore” is his father, and he will be my son. different. What David was trying to the Hebrew word, “shuwb,” which When he does wrong, I will punish do was actually the work that the Lord means to return again, to return him with a rod wielded by men, with had planned for his son Solomon. to the starting point, to bring back floggings inflicted by human hands. Had David persisted in building, again, to bring back home, to return, 15 But my love will never be taken he would not only have been stepping to reverse and take back. God cannot away from him, as I took it away from on the toes of his son, but also his only forgive us, but he can return us Saul, whom I removed from before legacy. This is why we must first to the place where we were before the consult God and wait to hear his reply. offense occurred. you. 16 Your house and your kingdom Secondly, this is why we must stay In our text, the psalmist begs for

15 God to go before his people again, Your covenant is trustworthy, and result, God will allow good to happen with all of his glory, as he did for the you have promised these good things in your life to make his name great, generation that wandered around to your servant. 29 Now be pleased to just as he will allow hardship, sorrow in the wilderness. He cried out to bless the house of your servant, that it and pain. Ultimately, it is about what God to stand up for the present may continue forever in your sight; for will bring him the most glory. generation, as he’d done before. This you, Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and Remember, there is a bigger prayer was a cry for renewed care with your blessing the house of your purpose at work than what is and protection after sin that resulted happening in the sphere of our servant will be blessed forever.” in God’s discipline. Yes, Israel had individual lives. God is on mission to turned to worshipping idols and 2 Samuel 7:23-29 draw every man, woman, boy, and they were disciplined as a result, but In verses 18-21, which precede our girl, every nation and tribe to himself. God did not forsake them. God did text, David praises God for his favor So the next time you get ready to ask not discipline them because he hated towards him. In verse 22, David begins God for something, first ask yourself: them; he disciplined Israel because to praise God for his favor towards 1) will it allow God to reveal himself he loved them (Proverbs 3:12). Exile, the people of Israel. The favor of God through me; and 2) will it help make discipline, was not the end of their wasn’t about David or Israel, it was God famous? story. Ultimately, God restored Israel actually about God and his reputation. and drew them back to himself. Verses 23 and 27 tell us that God acted Sunday – December 18, 2016 God brought them out of bondage, on their behalf so that his name would returned them back to their homeland be made great. We are vessels used for 1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, and made their nation great again. God’s glory and God’s purposes. We called to be an apostle and set apart No matter what sin you’ve must remember that it is not about us, for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel committed, God can restore you. but about God. God will do that which he promised beforehand through There is nothing you’ve done that will bring him the most glory. his prophets in the Holy Scriptures could make God forsake you, abandon The word “glorify” means to 3 regarding his Son, who as to his you, or cast you away. If you’ve dignify, to honor, to reveal, and earthly life[a] was a descendant of confessed and truly repented, there manifest. When God is glorified David, 4 and who through the Spirit is one more step. Have you asked for we receive a glimpse of who God of holiness was appointed the Son of God to take you back to the place you is and evidence of the vastness of God in power[b] by his resurrection were before the sin was committed? his significance. It is as if God is from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. unwrapping himself and hence Saturday – December 17, 2016 revealing more of his identity. Israel 5 Through him we received grace and wasn’t made God’s people because apostleship to call all the Gentiles to 23 And who is like your people they were a worthy nation, but for the obedience that comes from[c] faith Israel—the one nation on earth that God’s name sake. They weren’t for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are God went out to redeem as a people redeemed because they deserved it, among those Gentiles who are called for himself, and to make a name for but for God’s name sake. Miracles, to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 To all in himself, and to perform great and signs and wonders weren’t performed Rome who are loved by God and called awesome wonders by driving out on their behalf because God owed to be his holy people: Grace and peace nations and their gods from before them, but for God’s name sake. The to you from God our Father and from your people, whom you redeemed from world knew that God had chosen the Lord Jesus Christ. Egypt?[a] 24 You have established Israel as his people, so everything your people Israel as your very own God did for them would be attributed Romans 1:1-7 forever, and you, Lord, have become to God. Everything that God did for Paul was keenly aware of who their God. 25 “And now, Lord God, David and the people of Israel was he was and of his purpose. It was about his witness in the earth; “then keep forever the promise you have customary during his time for the people will say, ‘The Lord Almighty writer of a letter to identify himself made concerning your servant and his is God over Israel!’ And the house of house. Do as you promised, 26 so that at the beginning, but Paul went a your servant David will be established step further. Paul went on to explain your name will be great forever. Then in your sight.” (vs. 26) Every move why he not only had the authority people will say, ‘The Lord Almighty of God on their behalf was so that to write the letter, but to speak the is God over Israel!’ And the house of others would come to know God and contents that would follow. We your servant David will be established worship him. must be mindful of Paul’s past as a in your sight. 27 “Lord Almighty, God is unwrapping himself, little persecutor of the other disciples and God of Israel, you have revealed this by little, in your life and through your followers of Christ whenever we read to your servant, saying, ‘I will build life so that he will be exalted and a letter written by Paul. As you can a house for you.’ So your servant has glorified. God not only wants us to imagine, people were skeptical of found courage to pray this prayer to know him, but also everyone around Paul’s conversion and his newfound us. God is using you, just as he used you. 28 Sovereign Lord, you are God! advocacy for Jesus’ messiahship. In David and the people of Israel. As a spite of it all, Paul was crystal clear

16 and he tells us such in our text. Lord appeared to him in a dream and and they will call him Immanuel” Paul knew that he was called to said, “Joseph son of David, do not (which means “God with us”.) (vs. be a servant of Jesus, an apostle, be afraid to take Mary home as your 21-23) Joseph was being given an a preacher of the Gospel, and a wife, because what is conceived in her unorthodox and seemingly impossible missionary to the Gentiles. The word is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will call because God was sending his used for servant in our text is actually give birth to a son, and you are to give baby, his Son, to save the world. The slave, a term that the Romans could “what” was fathering a child that he him the name Jesus,[c] because he will understand, given the millions of didn’t biologically conceive, which slaves in that territory. Paul had save his people from their sins.” 22 would bring public ridicule and voluntarily made himself the property All this took place to fulfill what the potential shame, but the “why” was of Jesus Christ, leaving behind his Lord had said through the prophet: to save the entire cosmos from the previously held freedom to live life on 23 “The virgin will conceive and give penalty of sin. Wow. his own terms. When Jesus appeared birth to a son, and they will call him Joseph received his “why” because to Paul on the Damascus road and Immanuel”[d] (which means “God he was prayerfully considering his commissioned him, he was then set with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, “what.” Don’t be afraid to seek your apart as an apostle. In this encounter, he did what the angel of the Lord “why” from God. God can handle Jesus provided Paul with specific had commanded him and took Mary your questions or your need for revelation for him to share. When home as his wife. 25 But he did not clarity. Taking your questions to God Paul accepted his apostleship, he left consummate their marriage until she is actually an expression of faith in behind his task of proclaiming the law God; you are showing belief that he gave birth to a son. And he gave him and took up the task of proclaiming holds the answer and will provide it. the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Finally, the name Jesus. If the who, what, when, where or how Paul wasn’t called to evangelize the Matthew 1:18-25 of your call isn’t clear, take it to God; Jews, but instead was sent to those he’s the one calling out to you in the Our Gospel text provides us with who had previously been left out—the first place. an example of one called by God. Gentiles. Joseph’s “what” was nuts. God was What is remarkable about this text Monday – December 19, 2016 calling him to father a child that he is the clarity and specificity of purpose had no hand in conceiving. That is no 15 God also said to Abraham, “As for that Paul articulated. He was not only small task today, so you can imagine Sarai your wife, you are no longer to certain of his call, but of the who, just how crazy that sounded to Joseph call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. what, when, where, why and how back then. He was living in a time of the call. He knew what he was set 16 I will bless her and will surely give when being a “stepdad” wasn’t a apart to do, what he was supposed to you a son by her. I will bless her so viable option, nor was having a fiancé say and to whom. Are you clear about that she will be the mother of nations; that was impregnated by an unseen your call? Do you know your who, kings of peoples will come from her.” “man.” Joseph was being called into what, when, where, why, and how? 17 Abraham fell facedown; he laughed a classic Jerry Springer episode, long What is God calling you to do? Where and said to himself, “Will a son be before daytime drama existed. Our have you been assigned in THIS text tells us that Joseph was greatly born to a man a hundred years old? season? For whom? challenged by his “what.” Joseph Will Sarah bear a child at the age of While working hard for the Lord didn’t know what to do with this ninety?” 18 And Abraham said to is noble, it is only anointed when it is call of God. He wasn’t called to lead God, “If only Ishmael might live under done within the will of God. We find people out of bondage or to kingship, your blessing!” 19 Then God said, ourselves perfectly within God’s will no he was called to father the messiah. “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear when the who, what, when, why, and Accepting his “what” required Joseph how of the work are all aligned. Seek you a son, and you will call him Isaac. to believe that God could and would God today. Be sure that you are in [a] I will establish my covenant with impregnate a woman, his fiancé to proper alignment. him as an everlasting covenant for his be precise. God was calling Joseph to descendants after him. 20 And as for 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the accept something that he had never Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely seen or even heard of. Messiah came about[a]: His mother bless him; I will make him fruitful and Joseph was at a loss, so God sent an Mary was pledged to be married to will greatly increase his numbers. He Joseph, but before they came together, angel to provide Joseph with clarity on his assignment. The angel provided will be the father of twelve rulers, and she was found to be pregnant through I will make him into a great nation. 21 the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph Joseph with his “why.” “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him But my covenant I will establish with her husband was faithful to the law, the name Jesus, because he will save Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by and yet[b] did not want to expose her his people from their sins.” All this this time next year.” 22 When he had to public disgrace, he had in mind to took place to fulfill what the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, God divorce her quietly. 20 But after he said through the prophet. “The virgin went up from him. had considered this, an angel of the will conceive and give birth to a son, Genesis 17:15-22

17 We often have our own idea about would tease Hannah because she things. At times we learn that our idea Tuesday – December 20, 2016 was barren, which would make her is flawed, but at others it is just plain weep and lose her appetite. Although WRONG. What do you do if the Lord 1 Then Hannah prayed and said: Elkanah loved Hannah, his love was makes you a promise that not only “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the not enough to fill the void in Hannah’s sounds ridiculous, but that the Lord is Lord my horn[a] is lifted high. My heart and womb. Sarai and Hannah slow in performing? This is precisely mouth boasts over my enemies, for I had a similar dilemma, but two the place where we enter our text. delight in your deliverance. 2 “There different responses; Sarai attempted to The Lord promised Abram in is no one holy like the Lord; there is manipulate the situation, but Hannah Genesis 15 that he would give him an no one besides you; there is no Rock prayed. “In her deep anguish Hannah heir despite his old age and his wife’s like our God. 3 “Do not keep talking prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. barrenness. Years and years went by And she made a vow, saying, “Lord so proudly or let your mouth speak and no child came forth. So Abram Almighty, if you will only look on did what many of us do, he put his such arrogance, for the Lord is a God your servant’s misery and remember hand in the pot. He impregnated who knows, and by him deeds are me, and not forget your servant but his wife’s servant and together they weighed. 4 “The bows of the warriors give her a son, then I will give him bore a son named Ishmael. Despite are broken, but those who stumbled to the Lord for all the days of his life, Abram’s manipulation, the Lord’s are armed with strength. 5 Those and no razor will ever be used on his promise was without repentance, who were full hire themselves out for head.” (1 Samuel 1:10-11) meaning God did not change. He food, but those who were hungry are Although Hannah desperately would still have a son with his wife, hungry no more. She who was barren wanted to have a child and was Sarai. Although the Lord’s promise has borne seven children, but she who taunted by her rival, she had to wait remained, Abram’s action brought has had many sons pines away. 6 “The on the Lord’s timing. She spent each him a great deal of hardship. Sarai Lord brings death and makes alive; he day, praying and waiting, waiting and despised Hagar and mistreated her praying, until the appointed time. She brings down to the grave and raises and Ishmael, which distressed Abram. did not know if and when the Lord Although Abram and Sarai had up. 7 The Lord sends poverty and was going to respond, but Hannah messed things up and God was going wealth; he humbles and he exalts. 8 recognized the sovereignty of God. to graciously bless them anyway, He raises the poor from the dust and She knew that God was in control, Abram didn’t want Ishmael to suffer. lifts the needy from the ash heap; he which is why she continued to go back He didn’t want his son to experience seats them with princes and has them to the Lord in prayer. God eventually hardship because of his lack of faith inherit a throne of honor. “For the answered Hannah’s prayer and gave and all that would result from it, so he foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; her a son named Samuel, who she interceded on his behalf and asked the on them he has set the world. 9 He will dedicated back to the Lord at the end Lord to bless Ishmael. Abram knew guard the feet of his faithful servants, of 1 Samuel chapter one. Today’s text that his faith had failed and that his but the wicked will be silenced in the is Hannah’s prayer and praise to God failure would impact someone else, lace of darkness. “It is not by strength after he blessed her. his first son. He knew that Ishmael The Lord’s will shall prevail; for he that one prevails; 10 those who oppose was born into his foolishness, so he is sovereign and is in control. Submit prayed for him. Despite Abram’s the Lord will be broken. The Most your plans to the Lord and allow him departure from God’s perfect will and High will thunder from heaven; the to work things out. Hannah knew plan, the Lord agreed to bless Ishmael. Lord will judge the ends of the earth. that whether she conceived or if she God answered his prayer request “He will give strength to his king and remained barren, was all up to the affirmatively. exalt the horn of his anointed.” plan and will of God, so she sought Have you considered the people, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 him diligently. It is this recognition of the ministries, and the organizations God’s sovereignty that Hannah voices that have been impacted by your Abram and Sarai may have been throughout our text that sustained decision not to wait on the Lord. Have the first biblical characters that had to Hannah in the waiting. She knew that you interceded on their behalf? Who wait on the Lord to have a child, but God and God alone, exalts and brings could be hurt by your impatience they most certainly weren’t the last. down, gives life and brings death, says today? Go to God on their behalf. Ask If Abram and Sarai are an example of yes and no. the Lord to bless them despite your “what not to do” while waiting on the You may be seeking God for shortcomings, mistakes or side steps. Lord, Hannah is our “what to do” role something today, but his answer model. 1 Samuel chapter one tells that may be “wait” or even “no.” Can you Elkanah had two wives, Penninah and respect the sovereignty of God and Hannah. Penninah who had children praise him anyway?

18 to the fire by sharing his dreams with Wednesday – December 21, 2016 them, which caused them to hate him even more. 2 This is the account of Jacob’s Joseph’s dreams revealed that he family line. Joseph, a young man of would rule over his brothers, that they seventeen, was tending the flocks would literally bow down to him. His with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah dreams although revelation from God and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s and accurate reflections of what was to wives, and he brought their father a come, suggested to Joseph’s brothers bad report about them. 3 Now Israel that Jacob not only favored Joseph, loved Joseph more than any of his but so did God. Many could argue other sons, because he had been born that Joseph should have been able to to him in his old age; and he made an share his dreams with his brothers, ornate[a] robe for him. 4 When his but Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, brothers saw that their father loved Zebulun and Benjamin carried around him more than any of them, they the pain of not being chosen by Jacob. hated him and could not speak a kind Our text today is an example Could they handle knowing that God word to him. 5 Joseph had a dream, of when running your mouth goes favored none of them either? and when he told it to his brothers, very wrong. Joseph was born into a There are some things that we need they hated him all the more. 6 He divided household with more drama to keep to ourselves. Then there are said to them, “Listen to this dream than most reality television shows. others that we need to wait to share. I had: 7 We were binding sheaves of His father, Jacob, was married to There are also matters that only need grain out in the field when suddenly sisters Leah and Rachel, the former to be shared with allies. Still there are my sheaf rose and stood upright, he was tricked into marrying and the others that we need to be diplomatic while your sheaves gathered around latter whom he loved dearly. Jacob and very sensitive in how we share. mine and bowed down to it.” 8 His also had two concubines, Bilhah and First, to protect ourselves and second Zilpah. We’re talking four women to protect the promise that the dream brothers said to him, “Do you intend in the same household, all of which reveals. to reign over us? Will you actually had children with Jacob. From its When God speaks to us, we must rule us?” And they hated him all the inception, this was a disaster waiting seek God about who to share it with more because of his dream and what to happen. So Jacob was born into a and when. Everything is not for he had said. 9 Then he had another compromising position. He was the everyone, at all times. The enemy has dream, and he told it to his brothers. last born, born during Jacob’s old age placed people on your path to serve “Listen,” he said, “I had another and born to the beloved wife, Rachel. as dream killers. They exist to literally dream, and this time the sun and Both of these factors made Jacob love cause you to abort the dream. Joseph’s moon and eleven stars were bowing Joseph more than his other siblings. brothers were already envious of down to me.” 10 When he told his Joseph’s family situation was not him and his dreams only added the father as well as his brothers, his his fault. He had no control over who fuel of malice to the fire, which led father rebuked him and said, “What is his mother was or over his father’s them to harm Joseph by selling him favor. He had no control over his into slavery. Joseph’s brothers were this dream you had? Will your mother brothers’ hatred of him or over the ultimately unable to kill Joseph’s and I and your brothers actually come outward symbol he was given to dreams, but they definitely made the and bow down to the ground before wear as a result of his favor. Joseph’s road to fulfillment a painful one for you?” 11 His brothers were jealous of misstep in our text was that he failed him. him, but his father kept the matter in to control what he could control. Are you pregnant with a promise, mind. Joseph knew that his brothers were dream, or vision today? Ask the Lord Genesis 37:2-11 envious of him and they not only to show you your next steps, who has wanted his favor, but also didn’t want been assigned to help you, and who is him to be favored. Joseph added fuel in place to try to block you.

19 the words of the prophecy in this Thursday – December 22, 2016 book.” These words convey the same Friday – December 23, 2016 sentiment Jesus spoke to his disciples 6 The angel said to me, “These words prior to his departure in John 14:15, 46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies are trustworthy and true. The Lord, “if you love me, keep my commands.” the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in the God who inspires the prophets, Not, if you love me you will add to God my Savior, 48 for he has been sent his angel to show his servants my commands or make them “better.” mindful of the humble state of his the things that must soon take place.” The ancient teachers of the law added servant. From now on all generations 7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed so much to God’s word, which had will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty is the one who keeps the words of the already been spoken and recorded, One has done great things for me— prophecy written in this scroll.” thereby distorting the word of the holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends Lord. This resulted in the creation of 18 I warn everyone who hears the to those who fear him, from generation another set of rules and regulations to generation. 51 He has performed words of the prophecy of this scroll: If that the people had to follow, which mighty deeds with his arm; he has anyone adds anything to them, God made fellowship of God more difficult. will add to that person the plagues By calling us to keep his commands scattered those who are proud in their described in this scroll. 19 And if or keep the sayings of the prophecy, inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought anyone takes words away from this Jesus is telling us to obey his word down rulers from their thrones but has scroll of prophecy, God will take away and watch over it and preserve it. lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled from that person any share in the tree Verses 18 and 19 of our text provide the hungry with good things but has of life and in the Holy City, which are us with additional detail by imploring sent the rich away empty. 54 He has described in this scroll. 20 He who us not to attempt to add anything helped his servant Israel, remembering to or take anything away from testifies to these things says, “Yes, I to be merciful 55 to Abraham and God’s word. Jesus called us to make am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord his descendants forever, just as he disciples of all nations, teaching them promised our ancestors” Jesus. to obey everything he commanded Revelations 22:6-7,18-20 us. We must share the Gospel Luke 1:46(b) -55 without adding our own ideas or removing those things that challenge Mary was given scary and us. Our responsibility to share the uncertain marching orders, but in unadulterated Gospel is greater in the end she received them with joy. light of Christ’s return, as verse 6 She could have been divorced, killed, reminds us that Jesus shall return or ostracized, but she didn’t run soon. away from her assignment Mary ran We must be careful in our attempt towards it. She recognized that this to serve the Lord that we don’t create assignment was bigger than her and barriers for others or become legalistic she focused on the nature of God like the ancient teachers of the law. instead of her inability to handle the We don’t want to push people away assignment. In verse 51, she exalted instead of drawing them to the Body his mighty deeds. In verse 52, she of Christ. recalled his sovereignty. In verse 53, Is there anything that you are doing she spoke of his care for the least of to make Christianity unappealing to these. Finally, in verses 54 and 55 she praised God for his care for Israel God wants us to do what he says. others? Are you pushing people away and her ancestors. Although this Period. No matter how we language from the Church instead of drawing assignment would change Mary’s life it or frame it, God wants obedience. them? Ask God to reveal anything forever, she was filled with so much In verse 7 of our text, John records that you are doing to deter others joy that she praised the Lord in song. the words of Jesus, “Behold, I am from giving their lives to Christ, from The fact that God would trust us coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps joining the Church or getting involved in your ministry. enough to use us should bring us great joy. Not only did Mary praise God for who he is, but she also thanked him

20 for all that he had done for her. Mary Will you rush through them, removing ignored. For the one that has been was truly thankful for salvation (vs. any evidence of Advent or Christmas victimized, taken advantage of, and 47), for being chosen by God, despite from your home and minds or will abused. For the thirsty, hungry, and her flaws and lack of status in society you truly celebrate the Christmas naked. We possess the good news that (vs. 48), and for all that God had done Season? After Advent, we are to spend “to us a child is born, to us a son is for her (vs. 49). Mary didn’t focus on twelve days celebrating the birth of given, and the government will be on the challenge of her call, she focused Jesus and its significance. Yes, the his shoulders. And he will be called on the one who was calling and the decorations should remain up. Yes, the ‘Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, blessings he had bestowed upon her. Christmas carols should continue, but Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ How did you respond the last time there is more. Let’s spend some time Of the greatness of his government God gave you a hard assignment? focusing on why Jesus came and what and peace there will be no end.” Did you throw a temper tantrum like happened as a result. (Isaiah 9:6-7) We possess knowledge a three year old? Were you paralyzed Isaiah 52:7 says “how beautiful on for our dark and dying world that the with fear? Did you ignore it, hoping it the mountains are the feet of those one who can bring them out, over, would go away? If you didn’t embrace who bring good news, who proclaim and through has come and desires a it with joy and thanksgiving, ask God peace, who bring good tidings, who personal and intimate relationship to give you Mary’s heart. Ask the Lord proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, with every man, woman, boy and girl, to help you to respond differently next ‘Your God reigns!’” We are called to no matter their circumstances. Their time he calls. be bearers of the good news, of the wait is over. Gospel. Just as messengers brought The question is, will you carry this the news to the Jews that they could message? Do you have the courage Saturday – December 24, 2016 return to Jerusalem from exile, we to take the message of Jesus’ birth, have been saved to bring the good ministry, death, resurrection and soon 7 How beautiful on the mountains news to the world that the Messiah return into the world, your world? are the feet of those who bring good has already come and secured the Can you share this with your family, news, who proclaim peace, who bring victory on their behalf. friends, co-workers, classmates, and good tidings, who proclaim salvation, Can you imagine how excited to strangers? Just as the people who who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” the people of Israel were to learn saw the messengers coming with the 8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their that their bondage was over? That message of freedom and restoration they could shake the shackles of were filled with joy in our text, so will voices; together they shout for joy. oppression off? That it was now safe our world be when they learn that you When the Lord returns to Zion, they and permissible to go home? We are carrying a message of liberation, will see it with their own eyes. 9 Burst possess that same message today. freedom, reconciliation, peace, hope into songs of joy together, you ruins of For the lost, dying, brokenhearted, and love. Won’t you tell the world that Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted disgruntled. For the one who feels their captivity is over? You have the his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. forsaken, left out, and forgotten. antidote for the world’s pain, are you 10 The Lord will lay bare his holy For the castaway, abandoned, and willing to share it? arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. Isaiah 52:7-10 It’s Christmas Eve! The anticipation and expectation is so great that you are about to burst at the seams. The shopping is done. The meal prep has commenced. Your loved ones have made it into town. Christmas carols fill the air as the lights from the tree dance on the walls of your home. The celebration of the birth of our Lord and savior is upon us. Yes! All Advent long we have anticipated Christmas. Although Advent is ending, the celebration is not over. The Christmas Season, the twelve days where we celebrate the birth of Jesus, is just beginning. What will you do with those twelve days?

21 Min. Sheila Spencer Director of Christian Education and Faith Formation Assistant to the President of Disciples Home Missions Telephone: (317) 713-2634 E-mail: [email protected]

Wilma Shuffitt Ministry Associate Telephone: (317) 713-2639 E-mail: [email protected]

www.discipleshomemissions.org

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